Weekly the assortment of people struggling with alcoholism, drug addiction, bulimia, and other troubles pick up their boards and learn to surf in the waters around South Africa's "Mother City."

Their tutor, Lenny Stolk, is himself a former heavy drinker and drug addict who kicked his habits seven years ago. After rehabilitation, Mr. Stolk returned to work but was made redundant in June this year.

It was then he thought about starting up LJ's Surf Clinic. "I spent 90,000 to 95,000 rand (around $8,800) on the van and surfboards and spoke to the clinic," says Stolk. "I did not want it to be a surf school. "I wanted it to be a surf clinic to help addicts and people with problems," says Stolk. "I've looked on the Internet and can't find anywhere else that offers it."

Since September, Stolk has taught about 20 people to surf.